National
MSF Reports Surge in Border Killings due to BSF Negligence
Incidents of killing and injuring Bangladeshis along the Bangladesh-India border are on the rise again due to the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) refusing to adopt safe and effective measures, according to a Bangladeshi rights organization.
The Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF), led by Sultana Kamal, which tracks border killings, reported that four Bangladeshi nationals were killed and five others sustained bullet injuries in BSF firing along the border in the outgoing month of March. The MSF’s monthly report indicated that the number of killings remained the same in February.
Additionally, an elderly person was injured in a grenade explosion on the Zero line along the Bangladesh-Myanmar frontier in Naikhangchhory upazila, Bandarban district, during the period from March 1 to March 31. Furthermore, one youth was injured in a landmine explosion in the same frontier during this period.
Moreover, a youth injured during firing, reportedly by an armed individual attempting to enter Bangladeshi territory through the Ukhia frontier in Cox’s Bazar district, succumbed to his injuries in March. These incidents have caused panic among the people residing in frontier areas, as stated by the MSF.
The MSF believes that the government’s failure to protest against border killings raises questions among the people. “Such incidents on the frontier are never expected,” the organization added.
In addition to border killings and tensions, the MSF reported that twelve people died in prison custody during March. Of them, 11 were taken to the Medical College Hospital outside the jail, where they were declared dead.
The MSF prepared the report based on information published in various media outlets and also collected information through its own sources. According to the report, individuals posing as law enforcement agencies picked up three people during this period, later showing them as arrested in cases.
Violence against women and children, including rape, gang rape, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and suicides, showed a slight decline. Around 247 incidents of violence against women and children were reported in the month, 38 fewer than in February. Among these incidents, 38 were rapes, 9 were organized or gang rapes, and one was a murder after rape. Two disabled women were among the victims.
Moreover, at least 40 journalists faced different troubles during this period in fifteen incidents. Among them, 10 students were suspended from Dhaka International University (DIU) for forming a journalism committee on the campus and conducting campus reporting. Additionally, three received threats, eight were assaulted, and 17 journalists were attacked while performing their professional duties in March 2024.
Five incidents of minority torture were reported during the period in March. According to MSF statistics, casualties from mob beatings increased abnormally this month. Nine people were killed, and eight others were critically injured in seven incidents of mob beating in March. Of them, four were handed over to the police.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the newly constructed Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Bhaban and Senaprangan (Army Central Auditorium) Bhaban in Dhaka Cantonment today, unveiling their name plaques and cutting ribbons to enter AFIP Bhaban. During her visit, she toured different facilities within AFIP Bhaban, where AFIP Commandant Major General Dr Nishat Jubaida briefed her on its main features and facilities.
The project, “Extension and Modernization of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP),” approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2019, aimed to meet the increasing demand for pathology services. Remarkably, the project was completed ahead of schedule, by December 2024.
The 14-storey AFIP Bhaban boasts a modern laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including next-generation sequencing, automated microbial identification systems, transmission electron microscopes, and multi-headed microscopes, ensuring international standard services.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Prof Dr Samanta Lal Sen, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
Following the inauguration of Senaprangan Bhaban, the prime minister also cut a ribbon to enter the new facility. Senaprangan serves as the army’s central auditorium for hosting various national and international-level events such as meetings, seminars, and social gatherings, with Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and high-level army officers in attendance.
Rain or thundershowers are likely in various parts of the country as the day temperature may further decrease amidst a severe heat wave in Pabna, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Bagerhat districts, according to a meteorological release today.
The release predicts rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally winds in a few places across the Sylhet division and at one or two places in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions, with hails possible at isolated locations within the next 24 hours starting from 9 am today.
Mild to moderate heat waves are sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Barishal divisions, as well as the remaining parts of Khulna division, and the districts of Moulvibazar and Chandpur, as per the release.
The weather is expected to remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy skies elsewhere across the country.
Day and night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged nationwide.
The sun sets at 6:29 pm today and rises at 5:21 am tomorrow in the capital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged mill and factory owners to prioritize the welfare of laborers by reducing their luxuries. Addressing a discussion at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, she emphasized that laborers enable owners to lead lavish lives through their hard work.
She cautioned laborers against actions that could harm the factories providing them with employment opportunities. Sheikh Hasina noted that some individuals incite workers to protest unnecessarily, which ultimately damages both the workers’ interests and the country’s economy.
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between owners and laborers, she stressed the need for increased industrial production for Bangladesh’s overall development. Sheikh Hasina encouraged both parties to approach her directly to resolve any issues, emphasizing her commitment to addressing their concerns.
She distributed financial assistance to labor families and attended a cultural program, accompanied by various dignitaries including State Minister for Labour and Employment, Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, and representatives from international organizations.
Sheikh Hasina proudly described her government as pro-labor, citing initiatives such as wage increases, workplace safety measures, childcare facilities, and maternity leave provisions. She highlighted the steady increase in workers’ salaries under her government’s tenure, affirming her party’s dedication to labor welfare.
Asserting Bangladesh’s commitment to international labor standards, she warned against any exploitation of workers and pledged to hold accountable those responsible for withholding fair wages.
The Prime Minister also outlined government efforts to boost education and employment opportunities, including free textbooks and vocational training programs. She mentioned the Karmasangsthan Bank, established to provide loans to youth entrepreneurs without collateral.
In summary, Sheikh Hasina’s government prioritizes labor welfare, fosters a conducive environment for economic growth, and remains vigilant against any exploitation of workers.
